After we bought our farm five years ago I became interested in bio-dynamic gardening. It actually was a side bar of Waldorf-an innovative child rearing philosophy.Since I was "going organic" I explored (and still do) all options. Bio-dynamic gardening includes what my grandpa would say planting by the moon. Actually, there is much more involved than the moon, but that's the simple version.And, in addition to planetary influences, there is a specific fertilization method unique to bio-dynamics. So, being the fair minded person that I am, I thought I'd give it a try.Not being of unlimited funds, I felt I didn't have the money to splurge on new untried fertilizing techniques. But, since I was quasi-knowledgeable about planting by the moon, I decided to give it go. That first planting calendar guide was a gift, so I had no initial cash outlay. Fit right into my budget.In addition to my "field" gardens I have several raised beds. LOVE THOSE RAISED BEDS. So, I decided to try out this new-fangled idea o(with underpinnings of the way our ancestors dn my spinach.I planted every other row by the bio-dynamic calendar plant days and skeptically waited. And, waited. Waiting for a seed to sprout is paramount to watching and waiting for a pot to boil.After a few weeks, the spinach was up and ready to be picked. Here's a photo of the results.

Spinach planted NON bio-dynamically. 4 inches

Spinach planted on a bio-dynamic day. 10 inches

The spinach in the center is the NON bio-dynamic. The flanking rows are bio-dynamic. These rows were planted a few days apart. Everything else was the same: soil, seed, conditions.

Clearly, the bio-dynamic plantings are more robust, larger, fuller, healthier. Now this is REAL FOOD.This was enough to convince me that is is worth the time and effort to plant by the moon! (bio-dynamically) So, I have purchased the planting calendar every year and pains-takingly plot out when to plant what.It takes a LOT more time and planning, but as you can see by the photos, it's well worth the effort.Here is a link to a conference that sounds just YUMMY interesting.

Our task of providing food for our families is one of our most basic responsibilities. In the hectic-break-neck culture we have created we simply don't have time for food preparation, let alone food preservation. We challenge you to take back your life; step boldly into your stewardship over the health of yourself and your family. Take the path to wellness: real food, herbs and essential oils.